Carl Vinson Partners with Peru to Promote Maritime Security

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is conducting joint operations from March 25 to April 2 with Peruvian naval and air forces as part of Southern Seas 2010, a major component of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Partnership of the Americas.

"The eight days of joint naval exercises with Peru are a great opportunity to realize the full potential of Southern Seas 2010," said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1. "Together we will reinforce our commitments to the common goals of partnership, maritime security, and stability."

Carl Vinson along with USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) will conduct various joint naval and air exercises with Peruvian forces. Additionally, Carl Vinson expects to participate in a number of local community activities during an upcoming port call in Callao, Peru. The ship will also host visitors and media for tours.

"We have more than a week to engage in a meaningful, two-way flow of information," said Carl Vinson's Commanding Officer, Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey. "That's an invaluable experience for both countries as we seek to enhance our interoperability. We look forward to our joint operations as well as learning from each other culturally during the social events together."

Carl Vinson recently completed similar operations with Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile during the transit to its new home port in San Diego.

Also conducting operations with Peru is Destroyer Squadron 1 and air wing components from Carrier Air Wing 17, Strike Fighter Squadron 81, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40, and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 15, all of which are currently assigned to the Carl Vinson Strike Group.